Letters, Friday, June 12, 2015

The old proverb “There are none so blind as those who will not see” is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

Grace Cassidy (May 27) appears ignorant of the EU directives which forced Margaret Thatcher to withdraw state subsidies and ultimately led to the closure of the mines, shipyards and numerous factories?

However, the effects could well have been less catastrophic, if it were not for the deep rooted intransigence and downright stupidity of the unions.

Does Mrs Cassidy not remember the demarcation, closed shops and mindless thuggery which we had during the 1970s and 80s.

A time when the unions were in the ascendency and Britain was an economic basket case?

Nowadays, I’m frankly at a loss as to why anyone would vote Labour?

Like the Conservatives, it is stuffed full of multi-millionaires and people who have never had a proper job.

Our children would have had no future if Labour had been elected, and I would be utterly ashamed if any of mine ever vote for the party in its present state.

M Brown,

Sunderland

Hospital care was excellent

I would like to thank all the staff involved in my care at Sunderland Orthopaedic Unit during my recent knee operation.

Special thanks to consultant surgeon Mr Sean O’Brien. The very caring anaesthetist who’s name I don’t know, staff at the Orthopaedic Day Care unit where I was admitted and theatre staff, and not forgetting staff in pre-op clinic.

Also Jackie Turnbull and staff in the Orthopaedic Clinic and physiotherapists.

The nurses and domestic staff on D48 were all extremely caring, helpful and sensitive so thank you and Jose on nights was always cheerful and very efficient.

All my care was carried out professionally by a happy team of nurses and staff

So thanks again

Dorothy Cronin,

Washington

Swift change of heart

The process to elect a new Labour leader is underway and I know that my, MP Julie Elliot, has endorsed Liz Kendal.

Ms Kendal’s manifesto supports many things that Julie Elliot opposed in the recent General Election – free schools, the reform of the welfare system, the reform of public services including allowing independent providers access to the NHS.

Even allowing for the fact the General Election was only five weeks ago, Julie’s conversion is the swiftest since Saul was on the road to Damascus.